DA eyes Subic Free port for biosecurity facility
SUBIC BAY FREE PORT—The Department of Agriculture (DA) is exploring the establishment of a Bio-Safe examination facility inside this freeport, to bolster the country’s defenses against agricultural smuggling and prevent the spread of animal diseases.
In a statement last Friday, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said officials from the DA-Inspectorate and Enforcement Unit (DA-IE), led by Undersecretary Carlos Carag, met with SBMA representatives last week to discuss the proposed facility.
During the meeting, SBMA chief of staff Von Rodriguez briefed the visiting officials on the freeport’s layout and logistics, while identifying potential sites for the Bio-Safe center.
The facility is part of the government’s P1-billion Bio-Safe biosecurity program for 2026, which aims to inspect agricultural products before they reach the country’s ports and undergo processing by the Bureau of Customs.
Border control
According to DA-IE, the agency plans to set up Bio-Safe centers at key entry points, including Subic Free port, Manila International Container Terminal and the Port of Davao during the program’s initial phase.
The initiative seeks to strengthen border controls, curb agricultural smuggling and prevent disruptions in food supply that could trigger price spikes.
It will also guard against transboundary animal diseases, such as African swine fever and avian influenza.
The DA said the Bio-Safe program will reinforce border checks and protect the agricultural sector from smuggling, contamination and economic shocks.
